The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. On Wednesday, TWSE formed a strategic partnership with KPMG to enhance the influence of its Taiwan's Innovation Board within the regional ecosystem and to pursue its goal of becoming the "NASDAQ of Asia." Currently, 88 foreign companies are listed on its main and innovation boards, including four from Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In January this year, the (TWSE) removed restrictions on qualified investors for the innovation board, allowing general investors to trade freely as they do on the main board. This aims to increase recognition and trading volume for listed companies. Following the removal of restrictions, the innovation board’s trading volume in February 2025 already exceeded 60% of last year’s total volume.
TWSE Chairperson Sherman Lin (林修銘) says the collaboration with KPMG aims to help Taiwanese innovation-focused enterprises expand internationally while attracting promising startups from the region to list in Taiwan. He says a listing services team has also been formed to provide comprehensive support.
KPMG Taiwan Chairperson Jeff Chen (陳俊光) says that amid the current wave of investments in Asia, more dynamic startups are emerging. He emphasizes that Taiwan's Innovation Board, established in 2021, offers an excellent fundraising platform for both domestic and international startups. Chen noted that entrepreneurs now have alternatives to NASDAQ and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, as Taiwan's capital market is equally attractive and supportive of innovative businesses.